The Pompey chief left out two-goal midweek hero Kusini Yengi for a crunch clash at promotion rivals Peterborough.
But the Australian ace responded by climbing off the bench to grab the only goal that kept Portsmouth five points clear at the summit.
Yengi, sent on after Christian Saydee limped off in the first half, raced onto a pass from fellow substitute Gavin Whyte in the 77th minute to fire past Posh keeper Jed Steer.
Posh still look bound for the playoffs despite their five-match winning streak coming to an end.
"I really feel for him," said Mousinho about match-winner Yengi. "It to wasn't an easy decision leave him out.
“He scored twice on Tuesday night and his overall performance was really good.
“He has been excellent whenever he has played and his goalscoring record is superb.
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